Theory

Dr. Crist

Phrases and Period Forms

Phrase - a relatively independent musical thought terminated by a cadence. Phrases are labeled using
lower-case letters (a, b, c, etc.). The overlapping of phrases is referred to as "elision."
Period Forms - A period is the combination of 2-4 phrases and consequently involves 2-4 cadences. The
final cadence in a period is normally the strongest. In a two phrase period, there is typically an
antecedent-consequent relationship between the phrases. That relationship is established by means of a
stronger cadence at the end of the second phrase. This stronger cadence, usually a PAC, is referred to as a
"complete" cadence. A weaker cadence, such as an IAC, DC, or HC, is referred to as an "incomplete"
cadence. Two frequent possibilites exist:
1)

b
HC

2)

IAC or PAC

b
IAC

PAC

Period Types:
1) Parallel - Both phrases begins with similar or identical material.

IAC

PAC cad. extension

2) Contrasting -The Phrase begin with different, unrelated material.

PAC

HC

3) Sequential - The material at the beginning of the two phrases is sequentially related.

HC

PAC

4) Modulating -The consequent phrase begins or accomplishes a modulation.

HC

HC in C

5) Three Phrase - Involves three different phrases. The possibilities are

antecedent-consequent-consequent (the most common), and antecedent-antecedent-consequent (rare).
The strength of the cadences will be the determining factor.

IAC

PAC

PAC

6) Four-Phrase - Antecedent-antecedent-consequent-consequent is the most typical.

HC

IAC

IAC

IAC

extension

PAC

NOTE: Any two-phrase period may be expanded by repetition of one or both of the phrases. For example,
aab, abb, aabb. A cadential expansion may also extend the phrase.

The Double Period - Consists typically of four phrases. The first two phrases and the last two phrases are
paired. The cadence of the second pair is stronger than the cadence of the first pair. There are two types of
double periods:
(1) Parallel - The material that begins each half is similar.
(2) Contrasting - The material that begins each half isdifferent.

HC

PAC

HC

Phrase Group - Several related phrases that do not form a period or a double period.

PAC